A school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for across-the-board improvements over the past year.

Although inspectors said there was room for improvement in some areas, they found 84 per cent of teaching at Rodbourne Cheney Primary School was satisfactory or better, with 11 per cent very good and one percent excellent.

Pupil attainment results the performance of pupils according to Government targets is the best ever achieved.

Head teacher Paul Turner said: "The improvement comes from the application of the literacy hour, the numeracy hour, homework and supportive teamwork within the school.

"The staff have worked very hard and so have the pupils. We are really pleased that the children got these marks," he said.

The inspectors highlighted a number of aspects of school life for special praise, including:

n provision for the under-fives

n pupils enjoy school, are keen to learn and show pride in their work

n above average standards in art, particularly, with learning being enhanced by good use of field trips

n strong leadership and vision from Mr Turner, with a good sense the goals which must take priority

n a very positive contribution by education support assistants

The inspectors also identified ways in which the school might improve further.

These included raising teachers' expectations of pupils' capabilities, especially the higher-achieving ones.

Also, it is suggested that the classes of lower-attaining pupils be reorganised, ensuring each class contains the full range of attainment, thus creating a model of what can be achieved.

The inspectors also call for the school's programme of monitoring teaching quality to continue, ensuring there are targets for improvement and plenty of encouragement for teachers to meet them.